Adjustable face mask

ABSTRACT

The present invention incorporates a unique construction for a face mask device comprising a fabric face mask element FIG.  1.1  with adjustable cord length using a cord locking mechanism FIG.  1.5 . A cord routing envelope FIG.  1.3  is incorporated into one or more corners of said fabric face mask element FIG.  1.1 . Said envelope FIG.  1.3  is created by unique construction method comprising two openings FIG.  1.3  in the fabric face mask element FIG.  1.1 , separated by a fixed seam, weld, fuse, rivet or bond FIG.  1.4 , through which a cord  2  can be passed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to face masks, and more particularly to face masks intended to filter particulate matter from the air for breathing, protect the face during sporting activities, or limit airflow during exercise to increase aerobic tension.

The present invention incorporates a unique system of construction for quick and simple cord length adjustment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a variety of face mask devices which are commonly and widely used to filter particulate matter from the air for breathing, protect the face during sporting activities, or limit airflow during exercise to increase aerobic tension.

These devices typically combine a fabric face mask element with cords of various materials to secure the fabric face mask element tightly against the face by passing the cords around the ears or back of the head.

While these devices may be suitable under some conditions for some users, they can cause pain and fitment issues for many users due to lack of easy cord adjustment.

Examples of these kinds of non-adjustable devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 657,051S1, issuing to Amin, U.S. Pat. No. 657,053S1, issuing to Amin, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,689B2, issuing to Martin and Xue.

For example, users of a face mask device who have a larger head and face circumference can experience significant pain when cords which lack an adjustment mechanism are routed around the ears to secure said face mask tightly to the face.

There are a variety of adjustable face mask devices comprising a fabric face mask element fixed to an adjustable cord or strap system. Examples of these kinds of adjustable face mask devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,051B2, issuing to Burrow, McGrail, Irlbeck and Bouchez, U.S. Pat. No. 8,826,909B2, issuing to Nashed, U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,070B2, issuing to Wiegand, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,067,086B2, issuing to Danford.

While these adjustable face mask devices may be suitable under some conditions for some users, the invention disclosed herein provides a unique construction to achieve simple cord adjustment and optimum fit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to provide an improved face mask device that allows for simple and easy adjustment of the cord or strap (together, the “cord”) length by the wearer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved face mask device that ensures better fit via cord length adjustment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved face mask device that provides independent cord length adjustment.

These and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a fabric face mask element consisting of one or more layers of fabric with cord routing envelopes which are incorporated into one or more corners of the fabric mask element. These envelopes are created by sewing, welding, riveting or bonding the fabric to create an envelope at the corner of the fabric face mask element through which a cord can be passed. A locking mechanism is applied to the end of each cord. Each cord can be routed around the ear or around the back of the head. The cord length can be adjusted by sliding or adjusting the locking mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the present invention showing a fabric face mask device worn by a user with a cord configuration routed around the ear, using a cord locking mechanism on each adjustable cord.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the present invention showing a fabric face mask device with a cord configuration around the ear and cord locking mechanism on each adjustable cord.

FIG. 3 is a bottom corner detail view of the present invention showing a fabric face mask device element sewn using two layers of fabric with corner envelope construction and cord locking mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a bottom corner detail view of the present invention showing a fabric face mask device using two layers of fabric which are heat fused together with corner envelope construction and cord locking mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the present invention showing a fabric face mask device with cord configuration around the ear, using alternative cord locking mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the present invention showing a fabric face mask device with adjustable cord configuration at each corner of the face mask device using cord locking mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the present invention showing a fabric face mask device with adjustable cord configuration that is routed behind the head.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the present invention showing a fabric face mask device with adjustable cord configuration that is routed behind the head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The general environment of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and illustrated in side perspective view in FIG. 1.

A face mask element 1 which is sewn with two layers of fabric is fitted tightly to the face using an adjustable length cord 2 with a cord locking mechanism 5. In this configuration, the cord 2 is fixed to the top corner of the fabric face mask element 1 in a static position 6. At the bottom corner of the fabric face mask element 1, an envelope is created by unique construction method comprising two openings 3 in the fabric face mask element 1 separated by a fixed seam, weld, fuse, rivet or bond 4 (in this case a sewn seam). The cord 2 is routed through the envelope 3 and secured with a cord locking mechanism 5.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the present invention is shown and illustrated in front perspective view. This illustration represents an identical configuration to FIG. 1, where a face mask element 1 which is sewn with two layers of fabric is secured to an adjustable length cord 2 with a cord locking mechanism 5. In this configuration, the cord 2 is fixed to the top corner of the fabric face mask element 1 in a static position 6. At the bottom corner of the fabric face mask element 1, an envelope is created by unique construction method comprising two openings 3 in the fabric face mask element 1 separated by a fixed seam, weld, fuse, rivet or bond 4 (in this case a sewn seam). The cord 2 is routed through the envelope 3 and secured with a cord locking mechanism 5.

FIG. 3 shows a corner detail from FIG. 2, where a face mask element 1 which is sewn with two layers of fabric is secured to an adjustable length cord 2 with a cord locking mechanism 5. At the corner of the fabric face mask element 1, an envelope is created by unique construction method comprising two openings 3 in the fabric face mask element 1 separated by a fixed seam, weld, fuse, rivet or bond 4 (in this case a sewn seam). The cord 2 is routed through the envelope 3 and secured with a cord locking mechanism 5.

FIG. 4 shows a corner detail of the face mask device, where a face mask element 1 using two layers of fabric which are heat fused together is secured to an adjustable length cord 2 with a cord locking mechanism 5. At the corner of the fabric face mask element 1, an envelope is created by unique construction method comprising two openings 3 in the fabric face mask element 1 separated by a fixed seam, weld, fuse, rivet or bond 4 (in this case a heat fuse). The cord 2 is routed through the envelope 3 and secured with a cord locking mechanism 5.

FIG. 5 best illustrates the use of an alternative locking mechanism 7 applied at the end of an adjustable length cord 2.

FIG. 6 best illustrates an alternative cord configuration where each corner of the fabric face mask element 1 is configured with an adjustable length cord 2. At the four corners of the fabric face mask element 1, an envelope is created by unique construction method comprising two openings 3,8 in the fabric face mask element 1 separated by a fixed seam, weld, fuse, rivet or bond 4,9 (in this case a sewn seam). The cord 2 is routed through the envelopes 3,8 and secured with a cord locking mechanism 5, 10.

FIG. 7 best illustrates an alternative cord configuration where the adjustable length cord is routed behind the head. The cord 11 is fixed to the fabric face mask element 1 in the top right corner 12 in a static position. At the bottom right corner of the fabric face mask element 1, an envelope is created by unique construction method comprising two openings 13 in the fabric face mask element 1 separated by a fixed seam, weld, fuse, rivet or bond 14 (in this case a sewn seam). The cord 11 is routed through the envelope 13 and secured with a cord locking mechanism 15.

FIG. 8 returns to the present invention shown and illustrated in side perspective view. This illustration represents an identical configuration to FIG. 7, where the adjustable length cord is routed behind the head. The cord 11 is fixed to the fabric face mask element 1 in the top right corner 12 in a static position. At the bottom right corner of the fabric face mask element 1, an envelope is created by unique construction method comprising two openings 13 in the fabric face mask element 1 separated by a fixed seam, weld, fuse, rivet or bond 14 (in this case a sewn seam). The cord 11 is routed through the envelope 13 and secured with a cord locking mechanism 15.

It will therefore be understood that various changes in the details, materials and arrangement of parts which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art within the principal and scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A face mask device to be worn by a user comprising: a fabric face mask element of one or more layers of fabric that is either sewn, molded, heat bonded, or welded; one or more cord routing envelopes which are created by sewing, welding, riveting or bonding said fabric face mask element to create two openings in said fabric face mask element and incorporated into one or more corners of said fabric face mask element; one or more adjustable length cords which are fixed to the fabric face mask element, either in a static or adjustable configuration, which pass behind the ear or behind the head to secure said fabric face mask element tightly against the face, and which are routed through said cord routing envelopes; one or more locking mechanisms which are applied to the end of each adjustable length cord; and one or more cords whose length can be adjusted by sliding or adjusting said locking mechanisms. 